Yes. Speaking with an attorney as early as possible will improve the odds of a client’s claim being successful. Delay in doing so often leads to the loss, destruction or deterioration of relevant evidence such as (1) early vehicle inspection; (2) video surveillance, (3) scene and injury photos or (4) witness testimony. Witnesses become difficult to locate or often have a less clear memory of what they saw, heard or did as time passes. Retaining an attorney early on can assist in counteracting these issues.
In addition, clients often say things they should not to adverse parties or witnesses that may hurt the client’s case. Once an attorney is retained, the adverse party representative is prohibited from communicating with the client and this helps alleviate these problems.
Besides hiring an attorney at the earliest possible time, the client can do several things to improve the success of the claim. Promptly responding to their attorney’s requests and being frank and honest with their attorney is paramount. Finally, a client’s honesty about their own damages when questioned by the adverse party significantly improves the success of the claim.
A client that neither overstates nor understates their injuries makes a reliable, believable witness and one that an adverse party fears most. Being trustworthy, honest and maintaining a realistic understanding of the value of the claim all significantly increase the claim’s value.
